Gyration suppression control device for a washing machine



Oct. l, 1957 A. H. GERHARDT ETAL 2,807,950

GYRATION SUPPRESSION CONTROL DVICE FOR A WASHING MACHINE Filed Sept. 14, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 1, 1957 A. H. GERHARDT ErAL 2,807,950

' GYRATIoN SUPPRESSION coNTRor. DEVICE Foa A WASHING MACHINE Filed sept. 14. 1951 s sheeIs-sheet 2 7@ fg fg 2 33 n v/Jrf Oct- 1, 1957 A. H. GERHARDT ETAL y24,807,950

GYRATION SUPPRESSION CONTROL DEVICE FOR A WASHING MACHINE Filed Sept. 14, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent Oiice 2,8?,950 Patented Oct. l, 1957 GYRATION SUPPRESSION CONTROL DEVICE FOR A WASHING MACHINE Andrew H. Gerhardt and Edward J. Frey, Herrin, Iil., assignors to Borg-Warner Corporation, (Chicago, lill., a corporation of Illinois Application September 14, 1951, Serial No. 246,603

9 Claims. (Cl. (iS-23) This invention relates, in general, to improvements in Washing machines and is particularly concerned with a gyration suppression control device especially adapted to washing machines for both washing and ydrying of textile fabrics.

Otherwise stated, the instant invention is concerned with a gyration suppression control device adapted for advantageous incorporation in a domestic or household washing machine of the character completely disclosed in our co-pending patent application, Serial Number 246,601, filed September 14, 1951 and entitled Washing Machine, and which is designed so that it will automatically realize and maintain dynamic balance when drying the fabric after the washing thereof is finished.

More specifically stated, this invention is embodied in a gyration suppression control `device for incorporation in a washing machine in which forces that would otherwise produce a state of unbalance and entail rough and noisy operation in the drying stage are automatically and immediately counteracted by means incorporated in the machine that insure a continuous smooth and silent operation until the fabrics are thoroughly dried and ready for removal.

Automatic washing machines in which the gyration suppression control device contemplated by this invention may advantageously be employed embody the features prevalent in the general class wherein an oscillatable agitator is mounted Within the basket for performing the washing operation upon the clothes, and wherein the basket in which the clothes are washed may be subsequently caused to rotate at a relatively high rate (600 to 615 R. P. M.) of speed, about an upright axis, for the pur. pose of extracting the water from the clothes. Machinesk of this type may also be constructed and arranged so as to permit performing a rinsing operation upon the clothes as part of a series of sequential operations, which by way of example, may Ibe as follows: First iilling the tub with water, then rinsing the clothes, then performing a water extracting operation upon the clothes, then performing one or more rinsing operations upon the clothes, and iinally a water extracting operation upon the clothes.

It is the primary purpose of such apparatus as that to which the present invention pertains to reduce the burdensomeness of laundry or cleaning processes and to obviate the necessity of constant attention on the part of the operator to the apparatus in the course of its operation. The machine is entirely automatic to the extent that the operator is enabled to set the controls therefor to instigate the filling and washing operation, leave the same and return at a later period with the clothing or the article to be cleansed, completely washed, rinsed and the water extracted from the clothes to leave the same in a semidry state.

Accordingly, it is an important object and accomplishment of the invention to provide a supporting structure for a Washing machine which will absorb the out-ofbalance vibration in such manner that the machine may be set on a oor without bolting or otherwise positively securing the machine to the floor.

More specifically stated, it is an important object and accomplishment of this invention to provide a washing machine support structure which will allow limited movement of the centrifuging unit away from its normal geometrical axis of rotation and with provision of resistance means to such movements effective to reduce vibrations transmitted to a floor support.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a gyrationy suppression control device operatively associated and cooperating with the spinner tub of a washing machine to permit limited movement of the tub` away from its normal geometric axis of rotation but to alord frictional resistance to such allowed movement and in addition the provision of resilient restraint to the movements away from the normal geometric axis of rotation and effective to urge and maintain the tub substantially on its normal geometric axis of rotation during spinning balance, that is to say, the center of mass of the rotatingV body does not coincide with the geometrical axis of rotation. The machine therefore tends to rotate about its center of mass, generating a couple and tends to gyrate the entire machine about the said center of mass and causes the well-known vibration.

In general, two main methods have heretofore been proposed to overcome this serious problem. One method is to balance the basket itself in such a way as to overcome or minimize the effect of the unbalanced load. The second method is to accept the unbalanced condition of the basket and so construct the machine as to permit the basket to rotate about its center of mass with a minimum of disturbance.

An example of the irst and general method of overcoming Vibration heretofore proposed is the use of a heavy basket or heavy balanced rings to provide a ywheel effec-t so that any unbalance `due to uneven distribution of the clothes will be small compared to the mass of the.

balanced flywheel. Other examples involve movable balance devices including various liquid arrangements wherein the liquid shifts under centrifugal force to correct the unbalance.

One example of the second method of overcoming unbalance heretofore employed, is the use of a liexible mounting between the rotating basket and the frame of the machine whereby the basket can rotate about its own center of mass without disturbing the rest'of the machine.'

Another example is to permit the entire machine to dance or gyrate around the floor, flexible legs or caster. cups being provided to limit the amount of dancing or gyration. In this regard the present invention embodies features overcoming the deficiencies of the aforementioned methods in overcoming unbalanced conditions and constitutes an improvement over both of the general methods above mentioned by the provision of a balancing means associated with the basket of the machine and so arranged to cooperate with mechanical means effective to stop and overcome any undue unbalanced conditions.

It is another object and accomplishment of the invention to provide an automatic washing machine which is economical to manufacture, simple to operate, substantially free from noise and vibration and yet rugged and reliable in use.

An ancillary object and accomplishment of the invention is to provide a new and improved Washing machine having incorporated therein an improved gyration sup-4 pression control device which is adapted to be economically manufactured and which is so designed as to permit the manufacture and assembly thereof in accordance with present day large scale mass production.manufacturing methods of construction and assembly.

In4 the invention seeks, as a final object and accomplishment, .to providefor an automatic washingA4 machine ofthey character indicated an improved gyration suppressioncontroldevice which-is particularly characterizedby. a. design arrangement to more advantageously and satisfactori1y.perform.the functions requiredofl it and adapted to provide a compact unit which will successfullyy combinethe factors of structural simplicity, and durability; and yet-,be economical to manufacture.

Additional objects, features-and.; advantages of the inventiontdisclosed hereinwill be. apparenttopersons skilled in the art after therconstructionand operationA are understood from the within description. n

Itisfpreferred to accomplish the various-objectsiof this invention and to practice the:sameintsubstantially the manner as hereinafter more fully described, and as more particularly/pointed out-in the appendedclaims.

Embodiments `of the. invention. are illustratedin the' accompanying drawings: forming a.` part hereof. andI wherein:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of thewashing, machineV cabinet;

Fig. 2 is an elevational viewof the. washingmachine. depicted in Fig. 1 with parts thereofremoved and shown in section to .moreclearly illustrate. the construction. thereof, this view being taken substantially onthe plane.; of the.line.2--2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3. is a top plan view. of` the gyration stabilizer mechanism contemplated by this invention and being.. taken substantially on the.` plane of. the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;.

Fig. 4.is an elevational view of a portion of thegyration stabilizer mechanism contemplated by thisinvention and being, taken substantially ont the plane of the line: 4-4., in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 isan enlarged elevational View of the gyrationshut-olf switch otherwise depicted in Figs. Zand 3, this view being taken substantially on` the plane of the line 5--5in Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is an end elevational view ofthe gyration shutoiA switch depicted .in Fig. 5.

The drawings are to be. understoodto be more:l or. lessofa schematic. character for the purpose of illustratingand disclosing a typical or preferredform ofthe. improvements contemplated herein and in thedrawings like reference characters identify the same parts inthe several views.

Attention is invited to the drawings, particularly Figs. 1, 2', 3, 5 and 6, wherein the gyration suppression control. device with which the present invention is. particularly concerned is designated in its-entirety by numeral .15 and. shown incorporated in a washing machine comprising, in general, the component part assemblies respectively indi.- cated in their entirety. by the letters as follows: -A cabinet A exemplifying the external appearance of the automaticV washing, rinsing and water extractingl machine as shown. in Fig. 1 and being hereinafter referredto simply as a: washing machine; a basket B ofthe centrifugal extracting type disposed within the cabinet A; an improved'agitator C operatively disposed within the basket B; a` transmission D, a housing of. which forms .apart of and.l is carried by the basket B for rotation therewith when the; basket-is rotatedfor centrifugal waterextraction-.operations and is` adapted to impartan--oscillatorymotion-tor the agitator C, and the bulk, massand weightfof said- 70 andL; and a sequentiall'controlM:as .disclosed `in anco 75 pending patent application of Joseph M. Gartner, Serial Number 262,270, led December 21, 1951, and entitled Sequential Control, and which is adapted to regulate the operation of the various elements in proper sequence to perform the operations involving filling, washing, rinsing and water extraction.

Attention is directed to Fig. l wherein there is illustrated the cabinet A which houses the entire mechanism and control system thereforand which comprises a cover a front panel 21, side panels respectively indicated at 22 and 23, and a control panel 24 Aforming appart of and projecting upwardly from the cover. 20 as illustratedn Figs. l and 2.

InFigs. l andv2, it canbeseen that the'cover-20 is provided with a hinged lid 25 tov form \.a..closure member for an opening 26 through which clothes or other articles to be cleansed may be introduced to the machine. The hinged lid 25 is so disposed .with respectv to the opening 26 that it will be flush wit-h` the .surface of the coverZO when it is in its closed position. straps 27.pivotally disposed in the. mountings secured to the under side of the cover 20 serve to provide a hinged mounting forthe.lid.25 -with respect to the cover 20. A depression. formed inthe surface. of the. hinged lid 25 provides access to ahandgrip 28 disposed at one edge of the lid 25 opposite its hinged mounting.

On the left-hand. side ofthe control. panel 24 there is disposed a cont-rol switch 30 which provides a means for manually selectively presenting theoperation of an automat-ic. temperature control mixing valve 31 forming a.

part of the water inlet assembly K.. This. mixing valve 31, which will be described in greaterdetail hereinafter, serves-to. provide for theintroduction of cleaning fluids, in this case,1.water, at a proper temperature to insure proper cleansing of the articles to be laundered.

Ontheright-handside of the control panel 24 there is disposedfa ,control knob 33 which provides a means for manually operating the sequential control M. The length. ofthe washing cycle may be predetermined and setwithin certain limits by the` manual adjustment of the controlfknob 33iin a manner to be described in detail hereinafter.

It is` notable that both the control switch 30 and the control'knob. 33 are shown as being. disposed on the panelled .surface 24 so that they provide no obstruction to thev operator inthe introduction of the articles to be laundered. in. the ,machine or their removal therefrom.

Particular attention isdirectedto Fig. l wherein there. is,clearly illustrateda recess. 35 larranged adjacent the.

back portions of the washing machine cabinet, this recess being. adaptable for convenient receipt of pipes, wiring cables andthe like so that the. rear portions 36 of the top; of the cabinet may be positioned. so as to be in engagement with a wall or the like, to provide continuity when the washer isdisposed in a kitchen and/ or laundry cabinetarrangement and yet provide, by means of the recess.35, for accommodation of obstructions running.

horizontally along the wall which could be supply pipes and/ or electrical conduits and the. like.

A recessedtoe. plate 37 is provided in the lower front p .ortions of the cabinet as shown. This also is to provide obvious advantagesof utility and givingdesign considerations to-uniformity when thewashingmachineis disposed inI aA kitchenand/ or laundry cabinet arrangement.

Attention is now directed to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, wherein there. is clearly disposedthe structural support H which comprises` a base formed of structural .angle members as at 40 and 41to dene a substantially square box-like base having disposed in the four corners thereof suitable adjustable legs 42 adaptable to provide a leveling means for. the. washer when placed in operative position on a` oor or the like, a. super-structure formed. of bent steel elements` 45, as shown, with an encircling cover-like membergfi; having arrelatively largecentral aperture 47 .f and presenting a relatively.aLworkingsurfaceAS upon.v

One or more metal.

which portions of the gyration suppression means with which the present invention is particularly concerned, are operatively disposed.

It can be seen in Fig. 2 that the lower portions of the cabinet A are secured to and supported by the angle members 40 and 41 of the base by virtue of suitable securing means as at 49. Thus, it can be seen that the supporting structure H is a self-contained unit and is constructed so as to place the center of gravity in the lower portions of the washing machine which is effective to provide advantageous stabilization of the washingr machine in operation thereby to reduce noise and objectionable vibration to the minimum.

Disposed within the cabinet A and mounted on the supporting structure H is a water-tight outer tub designated in its entirety by the numeral 95 (Fig. 2). It can be seen in Fig. 2 that the outer tub 95 comprises a bottom wall 96 and upstanding side walls as at 97 terminating in an open top 98 providing an annular opening, the periphery of which is disposed within the confines of the cabinet top and the peripheral 4edge of which is provided with an annular shaped seal 99 adapted to engage portions of the inside surface of the cover 20 in order to prevent water from splashing out of the tub 95 and between the outer surface of the tub 95 and the interior of the cabinet A.

Disposed within the tub 95 and arranged for relative rotation therebetween and spaced from the wall 97 of the tub 95, there is provided the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B. As will best be seen in Fig. 2, the combination washing tub and water `extracting basket comprises an imperforate bottom wall 100 having an annular offset 101 projecting inwardly of the tub and terminating in an annular inwardly projecting flange 102, the periphery of which ldefines a centrally disposed annular opening.

integrally formed with the cover 20 of the cabinet A and projecting inwardly thereof substantially coaxially with the geometrical axis of rotation of the tub B, there is provided an annular flange 110 adapted to present a relatively smooth surface to dene a throat through which the fabrics and other materials to be washed may be introduced to the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B without danger of the lingers of the operator being injured or caught between the adjacent operating parts of the washer.

In order to provide further for the advantageous insertion of the clothes into the combination washing tub and water Iextracting basket B there is provided an annular flange 111 defining an annular opening 112 forming a continuation of the aforementioned throat for the purpose of directing the passage of the clothes or other material to be washed into the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B to perform washing actions thereon. t is notable that the annular flange 111 is formed so that portions thereof will project downwardly within the confines of the combination tub and basket B to present an oblique wall 115 and thereafter terminate in an annular flange 116 which is formed to define a corrugated-like shape so as to provide between these corrugated formations a series of apertures as at 118 through which fluid may pass.

Obviously, the flanged throat element 111 may be suitably supported by any convenient means to the peripheral flange 106 of the combination washing tub and water extraction basket B. Moreover, it can be seen that the peripheral flange 106 and the corrugated-like formations on the ange 116 forming therebetween a series of apertures 11S hereinbefore mentioned and through which water may pass into the outer tub 95 for retention or removal therefrom.

In operation, the rotation of the combination washin g tub and water extracting basket B at extremely high speeds during the extraction operation will cause centrifugal forces to move the mass of water outwardly from the geometrical center of rotation and, by virtue of the inclined upstanding annular wall of the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B, the water will tend to ow upwardly through the passage defined by the oblique wall and the adjacent portion of thev wall 105, and thereafter, through the apertures 118 formed by the corrugated-like formations on the annular flange 116, whereupon the water will beV discharged into the contines of the outer tub 95 for disposal. It is important to understand centrifuge action of the basket B will empty the water'disposed therein in a matter of a few seconds thus presenting a substantial saving of time in the wash cycle and yet performing a better job than prior art models employing time consuming pumping operations and the like.

One of the features of the present washing machine is the provision of novel means associated with and forming appart of the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B for the purpose of completely emptying out the basket during the extracting cycle, thereby to present objectionable and undesirable scum and other foreign matter to remain in the basket B during subsequent operations in the washing cycle.

In centrifuge type extractors as contemplated by thisr invention it has been found that during the extracting operation -the Ifabrics contained in the basket B, by virtue of their mass `and bulk, will sometimes entrap` water and other foreign material in the lower portions of the basket B thereby to prevent the desired removal of such entrapped w-ater from the b-asket B which will cause an undesirable accumulation of sediment and other foreign matter. In this connection, it is notable that it is desirable to have this objectionable sediment and foreign matter removed to provide a clear rinsing cycle and prevent the sediment laden water from being strained through the fabrics being washed during any of the water extracting cycles.

In order toadvantageously accomplish the removal of the entrapped objectionable scum containing uid there is provided a series of apertures, as at 120, disposed beneath the agitator in an annular `array adjacent to the offset 101 of the bottom wall 100 of the basket B. Operatively disposed below the aforementioned series of apertures 120 there is provided an annular cup-shaped structure indicated in its entirety by the numeral 125 (Fig. 2) and being supported in the position -as shown by welding portions thereof to a flange 126 being secured between the two plates forming the housing of the transmission D. An important feature in this construction is that the inner lwall of the annular cup-shaped structure has as its central axis the central axis of the tub While the outer .wall thereof is eccentric and with the largest space being adjacent the conduit 130. In order to provide a water-tight annular chamber disposed below the annular `array of apertures 120, there is provided a seal 12.7 carried by the cup-like structure 125 and adapted for engagement with outer portions of the bottom wall of the basket B.

Thus, it can be seen that the sediment contained water and other foreign matter may pass through the apertures 120 and into the annular cup-like structure 125 and by virtue of a centrifuge action similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to the emptying of the basket B, the sediment contained water Will be caused to ow from the annular cup-shaped structure into the conduit 130 which extends upwardly adjacent the exterior of the wall 105 of the basket B and terminates with an open end 131 and through this conduit 130 and by virtue of the centrifuge action imparted by rotation of the basket B at relatively high speed, the sediment contained water Will rise in the conduit 130 and be discharged from the open end 131 thereof `and into the confines of the outer tub 95 for disposal with the other water being caused to be extracted from the inner portions of the tub B through aperturesll formed of the'corrugated shaped formations-onthe--iiange-116.

` It is well knownthat:arelativelyheavy masser-.weight should-be-provided in= the-centrifuge' operation of the basket B'. In orderrtoovercome normal unbalance" conditions -irr the basket BcauSedby 'uneven distribution of the'fabrics'contained therein, it has'been foundjdesirable, to'provide centrifugalpforces assisted by mass `or VWeight to facilitatepthe rotation of the basket'B coincident, as nearly as possible, witlrthe normal geometrical axis of' rotation.

In order to provide the necessary mass or weight, the weighted-mass 60k-secured, by,any conventional manner, to the exterior ofthe wall`105tofthe basket B in the upperportions thereof adjacent the annular flange 106 (see Fig. 2")1. It is` notable that this Weightedmass 60 is of such character yas to cooperate with'v the gyration suppression means 15,' hereinafter to be describedin detail, the cooperatiomof 'these elements being effective to overcome, in normal operations, any unbalanced' conditions and cause the centrifuge or basket B' to assume4 a position, duringrotation thereof, coincident.with the normal' geometrical axis of rotation thereby to substantially minimize noise and'vib'ration during operation ofthewashing machine; particularly during, the. spinning or extraction periods.

Theinvention contemplates.the novel disposition of the housing of the transmission Das a part of the lower wall 100of the basketB at the flange 102 by means of the bolts 1031 Thus, top plate 146` ycompletes the enclosure of 'th'eopening in the basket B defined by the inner marginal .edge of the flange 102'.

It is recalledthat `a necessaryl weight or mass should be given to thecentrifuge or basket vB in order to provide proper centralizing characteristics in its high-speed rotation. It is important to understand that the relatively heavyvmass `or bulk of the transmission D when disposed in the manner taught by this invention will be effective to contribute to the weightand bulk necessary in the centrifuge or basket B` for it tov advantageously perform the functions requiredof it.k Thus, it can be seen that the housing of the transmission D is tixedly secured to the centrifuge or basket Band because of this will rotate in its entiretyY with the centrifuge or basket B in the extracting operations of the washing cycle. This is an advantageous feature of the invention and an important contribution to the art.

Suce it to say, since the invention is not particularly concerned with the precise construction of the complete automatic washing ,machine hereinbefore described generally, and/or its associated parts, they will not be further describedjin detail, and it is` suicient for` all intentions and purposes hereincontained to` show` only portions thereof adjacent to; and cooperating with the gyration suppression means with which `the invention is particularly concerned. It is to be understood that details of construction of such automatic washing machines, and/or their associated parts, maybe modified to suit particular conditions. or to satisfy the engineering genius of` various competitive manufacturers,.and..weA do not wish to be limitedto. the construction of 4these elements `as set forth except where such construction particularly concerns the invention Contemp] ated herein.

Having. thus described, by way of example, a possible adaptation .of the gyrationsu-ppression control means 15 for anautomatic v/ashingtmachine and `having described the.V general environment surroundingrthe adaptation, the` spccificconstruetion and function of the` parts of said gyrationisuppressioncontrol means 15 when disposed in an automatic. washing'machine as hereinbefore disclosed, will now bedescribed in detail. Y

For, an exemplary embodiment of the `gyration suppression means 15, particular attention is directed to Figs. 2, 3, 4,` 5` and 6, wherein there are illustrated spe 8 ci'c detailsof construction-of the. gyrationsuppression means 1-5fo`rmingan-important feature ofV thepresent` invention and which comprises anl elongated stationary sleeve5(I(-Fi f.` 2) which also forms apartof the driving Imecl'I-anisrn AE and l whose function Y in this= connection willfvbe--hereinafterdescribed in detail., said sleeve 50 having tixedlysecuredithereto and extendingl outwardly therefronra pair of arms 51and52disposed in crisscrossfash-ionas-showninlPi'g. 3 and'formed of plate metall? to impart*- a spring-like action yto be hereinafter described* in the operation-ofi the device. In=Fig. 3 itfcan be seen that the arms 51. and 52T/ extend vin eachi direction froml the center of the machine to the relatively at working surface 48vforminga parti-ofthe support structure H. Since the outerfendlportion-s of'the arms^51 andrSZ area of similar construction,l it is deemed suicicnt for all in tentions and purposesherein contained to describe onlyv one of them. Accordingly, in Fig.4 3, the outer end portion of the arm 51\comprises friction means 53 disposedi onwthe underside ofithefarxn and which maybe formedl of materialsimilar tothe conventional automotive brakelining, the friction means 53fbeing adapted forfrictional' sliding engagement with'a` plate541 (Figs.l 3 and 4) suit-- ably secured to -the working surface 48.v

Adjaeentrthe end portions of the arm there is provideda recess 59 adapted to receive end portions 55-of a tension'spring 56,- the'otherfend 57of which is secured as shownI to theibcnt steel elements 45 `forming a part of thesupporting'structure H: Ofcourse, it can be seen` in'Fig. Lftha-tva suitable aperture 58. is provided in the plate` 54and the working `surface 48lin order to `accommodate the upper end-portionstof the spring56 so that these portionsdnay be in operative. engagement with the arm 51.` It isnotable that the aperture 58 should be of a size to permit relative movement ofthe arm 51 with respect to the plate 54. A further function of the springsA as atStSV is-to provide a means for preventing rotary movement ofrthe arms Sland 52and yet permit relative transverse or off-center movement of the drivingmechanismE under certain conditions.

In reviewing Fig. 3 it can-be seen tliata spring as at 56r is` provided at both end portions ofthe arms 51 and' 52. These springs have a'tendency to centralize the1 driving mechanism E and yet provide a resilient control to permit oE-centerm-ovement of the driving mechanism in certain unbalanced operations of the tub B and the agitator C, thus-insuring virtually complete elimination of vibration inthe cabinet A. In addition to the function and operation of the gyration suppression means 15 hereinbcfore described, it is notable that this structure ef` fectively cooperates with the weight of the transmission housing D andlthe` weightedbalancing means 60 forming a part of the tub B, this cooperation between theseelements being effective to provide proper balance to the system, particularly in spinning operations which aggravate the centrifugal forces emanating from the rapidly spinning'tu-b and this aggravation being further emphasizediby an unbalanced load caused by uneven distribution: ofthe clothesin the basket.

Although the cooperative effort of the gyration suppression.` means 15 with. the weighted balancing means 60' is effective to overcome unbalanced conditions in theV majority of the operations, there may be such uneven distribution of the clothes in the basket, particularly in the case. of rheavy fabricssuch as chenille` robes or chenille rugs or such fabrics having great mass such as a blanket to cause an unbalanced `condition of such magnitude that cannot be operatively overcome by these elements.

In order'toprovide-safety in'such conditions there isV providedV a gyration suppression control switch generally indicated by the letter J and shown in detail in Figs. 2, 3, 4,` 5 and 6. The gyration suppression control I comprises an electric. switch 61 disposed in the main electrical supply line and effective to ,cut off the electric supply to the washing machine, thereby to stop all operations.

cured to an end portion of the arm 52 of the gyration suppression means v15, said plate 62 having an arm 63 adapted for engagement with end portions 64 of a latch 65 (Figs. 3 and 5 carried for pivotal motion by a bracket 66 adjustably carried by side portions of the supporting frame H by virtue of the adjusting screws as at'67 and 68 which are adapted to be received respectively in slotted apertures 69 and 70 disposed in the bracket 66, said latch 65 having a lip 71 adapted for engagement with a flange 72 forming a part of a dog 73 mounted for pivotal motion on the support 66, there beinga tension spring 74 operatively disposed between the llatch 65 and the dog 73, as shown, and effective to urge engagement of the lip 71 with the ange 72. Secured to the dog 73 is a rod 77 which projects upwardly in the rear portion of the cabinet (Fig. 2) and has disposed on its upper end portion a button 78, said rod being provided with stops 79, 80 disposed in operative engagement with the operating arm 81 of the switch 61.

The device as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 is in its normal operating position and the washer will operate through the predetermined cycles; however, in the event that an extreme unbalanced condition becomes present the arm 63 of the plate 62 will become engaged with end portions 64 of the latch 65 thereby to cause the latch 65 to pivot which will effect disengagement of the lip 71 from the flange 72, and by virtue of the force of the spring '74, the dog 73 will pivot causing the rod 77 to move upwardly, and by virtue of the stops 79 and 80 which are in engagement with the arm 81 of the switch 61, the circuit will be opened and stop all operations of the washing machine. it is then necessary for the operator to investigate the unbalanced condition and correct the same. This may be accomplished by giving a more even distribution of the clothes in the tub B. After this is accomplished the operator may reset the mechanism for a continuation of the washing operations by merely depressing the button '78 which projects upwardly and outwardly from the top portions of the control panel 24 for convenience in accessibility by the operator. The depression of the button 73 is eective to urge downward movement of the rod 77 which will close the switch and cause rc-engagement of the lip 71 with the flange 72. Of course, it is obvious that the mechanism can only be reset after the arm 63 is in such a position so as not to engage the end portion 64 of the latch 65. This feature facilitates safety in that it is impossible to reset the mechanism for continuance of washing operations without iirst giving consideration to rectifying the extreme unbalanced condition and/or by manually repositioning the tub B so that its axis of rotation will more nearly coincide with the normal geometrical axis of rotation.

The complete operation of the vautomatic washing inachine representing the iliustrated embodiment of the invention and described herein in detail may be briefly summarized asvfollows: f

Clothes or other articles tobe laundered are inserted into the basket B of the automatic washing machine through the hinged lid 25 of the cabinet A and a small amount of soap or other suitable detergent is then sprinkled on the top of the clothes or articles to be laundered. The water temperature control switch 34) is now set for the desired water temperature at which the clothes or other articles are to be laundered.y The timer control knob ,33 is pulled outwardly and moved inits horizontal linear path to the extreme left-hand position (Fig. l) and when the control knob 33 is pushed inwardly it will set the timing mechanism in motion to perform the various sequential operations of the washing cycle.

As was hereinbefore stated, the instant washer has an adjustable fill 'from one' to six minutes, and since the water valve 31 is set to provide 2 and gallons of water per minute regardless ofcity main pressures, the

The operation of the switch is advantageously accomplished by the provision of a plate 62 (Fig. 5) se' amount of water disposed into the tub is controlled by time as distinguished from conventional prior art float mechanisms. It has been found practical for all intentions herein contained to have a till period of approximately four minutes under average conditions. Accord.

ingly, if the timer control knob 33 is set at O, the mechanism will become operative to permit filling of the basket B for a period of four minutes and as the timer control knob passes through this four minute cycle, the electrical contacts (not shown) in the timer will be actuated by the engagement of a suitable linear profile to shut off the Water supply and simultaneously therewith start the washing phase of the cycle. The motor will be set in a direction of rotation to cause the agitator to oscillate to perform its washing function upon the clothes and/ or other articles being laundered.

For all practical intents and purposes herein contained and based upon experience as to the length of time desirable for the washing phase of the cycle, it has been found that a ten minute period is most practical under average conditions. It is notable that if the timer control knob 33 is set at the 0 position (Fig. l) and left undisturbed, there will be a four minute ill period followed by a ten minute Wash period in which the agitator performs its oscillating motion. However, it is important to understand that, in certain instances, it may be desirable to vary the wash period. This may advantageously be accomplished by setting the timer control knob 33 at 0 (Fig. 1) and permitting this contro-l knob to pass through the four minute ll period, whereupon the knob may be pulled outwardly and reset at any point between numbers 4 and 14 and pushed inwardly whereupon the timer will continue from ythat point to compiete the washing cycle. The apparatus is thereafter adapted to operate without further attention, all of the remaining operations taking place automatically and proceeding to the completion of the last drying operation.

After the wash period has been completed the electrical contacts of the Sequential control, by virtue of t'ne linear profile, will be set to provide a thirty second pause permitting the motor to completely stop and be set for reverse operation to accomplish water extraction operations in the manner hereinbefore described. When the timer control knob 33 has passed through this thirty second pause, the electrical contacts will be set to cause rotation of the basket B for water extracting operations. operation, the rotation of the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B at extremely high speeds during the extraction operation will cause centrifugal forces to move the mass of water outwardly from the' washing tub and Water extracting basket B, the water willv tend to ow upwardly through the passage defined by the oblique wall 115 and the adjacent portion of the wall 105 and thereafter, through the apertures 113 formed by the corrugated-like formations on the annular liange 116, whereupon the water will be discharged into the confines of the outer tub for disposal. It is important to understand that this centrifuge action of the basket B will empty the water disposed therein in a matter of a few seconds thus vpresenting a substantial saving of time in the wash cycle and yet performing a better job than prior art models employing time consuming pumping operations lower portions of the basket B thereby to prevent they desired removal of such entrapped water from the basketV B which will cause an undesirable accumulation of such sediment and other foreign matter. In this connection, it

is notable that it is desirable to have this objectionable. sediment and foreign matter removed to provide a clear;

In thisV v 1 1 rinsing cycle and prevent the sediment laden `water from beingA strainedN through the fabrics beingfwashedlduring any: of th'e water extracting cycles. Y

This is advantageouslyv accomplishedy in` thepresent invention bythe provision of the auxiliary1sumpfadapted' to facilitate removal of the:entrappedobjectionable -sediment containedtluid byA passing thersame through-the apertures 120,'and into the: annular cup-like structure 125 and, by virtue of acentrifuge action similarto that-here inbefore described with respectto theemptying of' the bask'etB, the sediment-contained `water will be caused to flow fromth'e annularcup-shaped structurel intovthe conduit-130 which extendsupwardly adjacent-theA exterior of the wall 105 of the basket B and terminates-within open-- endllandithrough this conduit1130i and, byvirtue-ofy the centrifuge action imparted by-rotation `of the basket B `at-relan'vely highspeed, the sediment contained water willn'se in the conduit 130 andbe discharged from the open end 131thereof-and into the confines of f the outer tub 95 for disposal with the other water being caused to be-extracted fromthe inner portionsof the tub B'throughy apertures 118 formed-ofthe. corrugated-shapedlformations on the flange 116.

Since the construction and operation ofthe centrifuge B facilitatesV aV relatively fastdumping of theudetergent uid in the extract operations, this extracting-anddumpingV operation beingaccomplished in a` matter` of a few seconds, and because of this, it is obvious that the pump L would not be of suicient capacityto dispose of such a quantity of water as rapidly as `it is-beingdumped, therefore, it is necessary for the dumped' water to accumulate in the outer tub 95 in the area below the centrifuge until the pump L can dispose of Vsame in its` normal pumping operation. It-is recalled that the motor will operate in two directions of rotation, that is to say,

inone direction when it is desired that the agitator be` operated and in another direction when. it is desired that the` extracting operations be performed. Thus, by virtue of the pump drive arrangement, it can be-seenthat the pump will operate inboth directions of rotation and at all times'when the motor G is in operation.

At this point (beginning of the rst spin-operation) itis deemed important'to discuss the functional operation of the gyration suppression control switch I. Although-the instant washing machine provides effective means to overcome unbalanced conditions or uneven'distribution of the clothes-in theI basket, particularly in the case of heavy fabrics such as chenille robes orchenillerugs or such fabrics having a great mass suchf as` a blanket, the inventionconternplates the'provisionv of'an additional-safety feature in such conditions by the-effectiveoperation of the gyration suppression controlswitch I hereinbcfore described in detail. It is recalled that in such extreme conditions the gyration suppression controlrswitch .T will stop all operations of the machine and it is then necessary for the operator to investigatel the unbalance condition and correct the same. Thismay be accomplished by giving a-more even distribution of the clothes in the tub B. After this is-done the operator may reset the mechanism for a continuation of the washingoperations by merely depressing the button 78 which projects upwardly and outwardly from the top portion of the control panel 24. After the mechanism has been reset and the unbalance conditions are overcome the washing machine will continue through the remainderlof the washing cycle. Y

Attention is again referred to Fig. l and it is'notable that-the'timer mechanisms, for purposes of this-description ofoperation of the washingmachine,A has now movedl to the extract spin positionand -will continue for one minute to perform the water extraction spin operation as hereinbefore. described anduafter the` timer has-passedA through this minute period `the .electrical contacts will' be setfin a; manner-to provide a thirty second spinrinse ofwarmwater. This .spin `rinse is .etfectivef to.removeextraneous-A scum-and'vother detergent fluid-remaining. inthe basket Bafter the first Water extraction spin `operation has been completed;

After the timer has passed through the aforementioned thirty second spin rinse, the electrical contacts thereof will be.` set to shut off the. current supply to the motor thereby to stop-the spinning of Vthe basket B but, the electrical contacts are now set to permit a three and one-- half ,minute; fill period, in which period the basket is again 4supplied -with vwarm rinse water.

After the timer has passed through this three and onchalf minute ll period, the electrical contacts thereof willbesetso as to cause reverse rotation of the motor thereby to Iprovide an agitator `drive and since the contacts :are set forcontinuous supply of water to the basket Bj there is` provided a four minute agitated overow rinse which has been found particularly desirable to ad,` A

vantageously clear the clothes and the basket B of all scum, sediment and detergent iiuid. It is obvious that iffthe water supply is continuous as hereinbefore suggested that the water will lllthe basket B and thereafter overflow through the apertures 118` and into the outer tub 95 for disposal by the pump L as hereinbefore described.

A one minute agitated rinse period without overflow` is provided, this being-accomplished by positioning of the electrical contacts-so as to cause the water-to be shut off atthe mixing valve 31. After the one minute agitated rinse without overflow there is provided a thirty second pause in order to permit the motor to be stopped andthe controls be set for reverse operation of. the motor for the purpose of water extraction operations to follow. After a one minute water extraction spin operation there is provided a one-half minute spin rinse followed by a six minute waterextraction period, making a total washing cycle of thirty-two-'and one-half minutes.

The instant gyrationsuppression'means being formed ofsimple parts and readily available materials Alends itself to mass production manufacturing principles, thus affording a substantial saving in the manufacturing costs.

From the foregoing disclosure, it may be observed that we have provided an improved gyration suppression means for an automatic washing machine which efficiently fulfills the objects thereof as hereinbefore stated and which provides numerous advantages which may be summarized as follows:

1. StructurallyA simple, etlicientand durable;

2. Economicalto manufacture and readily adaptable to mass production manufacturing principles; and

3. The provision' of an improved gyration suppression means for an automatic washing machine which is oiA simple construction and having a novel association of parts which provide eicient operation and which is particularly characterized by a design arrangement to more advantageously and satisfactorily perform the functions required of4 it and adapted to providev a compact unit which will successfully combine the factors of structural simplicity and durability and yet be economical to manufacture.

While we have illustrated preferred embodiments of our invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and we do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction.

for attaching. said arms to said base, and friction pads between said arms andlsaid base, saidyielding means-including tension spring means connected between the outward end portions of said arms and 'said stationary base and disposed s-o that the tensional pull of said spring means is in a direction downwardly and radially outwardly from the axis of the rotary tub and operable to progressively increase the value of frictional resistance to relative movement of said frictionally engaged portions responsive to movement of said rotary tub away from its normal geometric axis in a direction opposed to the pull of said spring means.

. 2. In a washing machine, a rotatable tub, driving means secured t-o the bottom of the tub and including a tubular drive shaft, a stationary base beneath said tub, and means for mounting said tubular shaft for limited gyratory movement and including spider means comprising a hub carried by said tubular shaft and arms yieldingly connected to said base in frictional engagement therewith, with yielding means connecting said arms and said base, said yielding means including tension spring means connected between the outward end portions of said spider means and said stationary base and disposed so that the tensional pull of said spring means is in a direction downwardly and radially outwardly from the axis of the rotary tub and operable to progressively increase the value of frictional resistance to relative movement of said frictionally engaged portions responsive to movement of said rotary tub away from its normal geometric axis in a direction opposed to the pull of said spring means.

3.y A washing machine structure comprising a support frame including a vertical axis centrifuging unit structure with motor driving means therefor mounted on said support frame, said support frame and centrifuging unit being so constructed as to have a center of mass substantially coincident with the axis of rotation of said centrifuging unit and having a mass of such amount that the mass supported on said frame is substantially greater than the mass of the washing load intended to be operated on in said centrifuging unit, connections to said support frame allowing limited off-center movement, a resilient member contacting said support frame to frictionally resist said olf-center movement, and tension spring means connected between the outward end portions of said resilient member and said support frame and disposed so that the tensional pull of said spring means is in a direction downwardly and radially outwardly from the axis of the centrifuging unit and operable to progressively increase the value of frictional resistance to relative movement of said frictionally contacted portions responsive to movement `of said centrifuging unit away from its normal geometric axis in a direction opposed to the pull of said spring means.

4. In a washing machine having a rotary tub: means associated with said tub for counterbalancing unbaianced loads in said tub, power transmission means forming a part of the bottom Wall of said tub and the weight of which cooperates with said first-mentioned means to further counterbalance unbalanced loads in said tub, said power transmission means including a downwardly projecting tubular shaft, a stationary base beneath said tub, arms extending from said sha-ft and in frictional engagement with portions of said base, yielding means for attaching said arms to said base, and friction pads between said arms and said base, said arms, yielding means and friction pads comprising a mechanical means arranged to cooperate with said aforementioned weight to further assist in counterbalancing unbalanced loads in said tub, and said mechanical means including tension spring means connected between the outward end portions of said arms and said stationary base and disposed so that the tensional pull of said spring means is in a direction downwardly and radially outwardly from the axis of the rotary tub and operable to progressively increase the value of frictional resistance to relative movement of said frictionally engaged portions responsive to movement of said rotary tub away from its normal geometric axis ina direction opposed to the pull of rsaid spring means.

5. In a washing machine including a rotatable tub, and driving means secured to the bottom of the tub and including a tubular drive shaft, the combination with a stationary base beneath said tub, of means for mounting said tubular shaft for limited gyratory movement and including spider means comprising a hub carried by said tubular shaft and arms yieldingly connected to said base in frictional engagement therewith, with yielding means connecting said arms and said base, said yielding means including tension spring means connected between the outward end portions'of said arms and said stationary base and disposed so that the tensional pull of said spring means is in a direction downwardly and radially outwardly from the axis of the rotatable tub and operable to progressively increase the value of frictional resistance to relative movement of said frictionally engaged portions responsive to movement of said rotatable tub away from its normal geometric axis in a direction opposed to the pull of said spring means.

6. For a washing machine structure comprising a base support frame including a vertical axis centrifuging unit having agitation means disposed therein and with driving means therefor comprising a vertical drive shaft means mounted in said support frame, said centrifuging unit being adapted for rotation off its normal geometric center of rotation responsive to centrifugal forces emanating from unbalanced loads in said centrifuging unit, and means 'for mounting said centrifuging unit in said frame for limited tilting action whereby the centrifuging unit may gyrate in response to gyratory deection of the centrifuging unit about said Vertical axis; gyroscopically effective stabilizing means for said centrifuging unit comprising a power transmission housing including gearing mechanism disposed therein for driving said agitation means and defining a mass of weight mounted centrally of the base of said centrifugingfunit and rotatable therewith, and a heavy ring mounted on the upper periphery of said centrifuging unit; and mechanical means to urge said centrifuging unit toward its normal geometric center of rotation comprising, a spider carried by portions of said vertical drive shaft means disposed below said power transmission housing and above said base support frame with the radially outward end portions of the spider being in overlapped frictional engagement with portions of said base support frame, friction means disposed between said overlapped engaging portions, and tension spring means connected between the outward end portions of the spider and said base support frame and disposed so that the tensional pull of said spring means is in a direction downwardly and radially outwardly from the axis of the centrifuging unit and operable to progressively increase the value of frictional resistance to relative movement of said overlapped engaged portions incident to movement of said centrifuging unit away from its normal geometric axis in a direction opposed to the pull of said spring means.

7. For a washing machine structure comprising a base support frame including a vertical axis centrifuging unit with driving means therefor comprising a vertical drive shaft means mounted in said support frame, said centrifuging unit being adapted for rotation off its normal geometric center of rotation responsive to centrifuge forces emanating from unbalanced loads in said centrifuging unit, means for mounting said centrifuging unit in said frame for limited tilting action whereby the centrifuging unit may gyrate in response to gyratory deflection of the centrifuging unit about said vertical axis: means operable to oppose said unbalancing centrifugal forces comprising, a rst counterbalancing weight means secured to the upper periphery of said centrifuging unit and rotatable therewith; and a power transmission housing including gearing mechanism disposed therein, said housing being secured directly to the lower regions of said centrifuging unit and rotatable therewith, said transmission housing. being secured yto said `vertical ldrive shaft means, and friction means disposed between the centrifuging unit and the frame and below fthe housing, said friction means being radially spaced from the shaft'means the mass and weight of said housing and said gearing mechanism cooperating with; said iirst counterbalancing weight means and said friction means eiiectiveA to stabilize said centrifuging unit in opposition to said unbalancng centrifugal forces.

8; A gyroscopically effective stabilizingV means for a centrifuging unit having agitation means disposed therein and comprising: a power transmission housing including gearing mechanism disposed therein for driving said agitation means and detining a mass of` Weight mounted centrally of the base of said centrifuging unit and rotatable therewith, and "a heavy ring mounted on the upper periphery of said centrifugingunit, in combination with mechanical means to urge `said centrifuging unit towardits normal geometric center ofrotation' comprising, a base support frame for said centrifuging unit, a spider disposed below said power transmission-housing and above said base support frame, the radially outward end portions of the spider being in overlapped frictional engagement with'portions of said base support frame, friction means disposed between said overlapped engaging portions, and tension spring means connected between the outward end portions of the spider andlsaid base support frame -and disposed so that the tensional pull of said springV means is in a direction downwardly and radiallyA outwardly from the axis of thewcentrifuging unit land operable to progressively increase the value of frictional resistance to relative movement of said overlapped engaged portions responsive to movement ofisaid centrifuging unit away: from its normal geometric axis in a-directionopposed to `the pull of said spring means 9. A gyroscopically effective stabilizing-means fora centrifuging unit having agitation means disposedtherein and comprising: a power transmission housing including gearingmechanism disposed thereinA for drivingl said `agitation means and defining a-massloffweightmounted centrally of the base of said-centrifuging unit androtatable therewith, a supportframe,` a vertical drive'sphaft-means mounted `in said support frame withf the-'upperend thereof secured to said power transmission housing to drive said centrifuging unit and Isaid agitation means, weight defining means including a-ring mounted on vthe upper'periphery of Said centrifuging unit, said centrifugi-ng -unit being adapted for rotationI olfits-` normal geometric center of-rotation responsive i to centrifugal forces emanating from unbalanced loads inrsaid centrifuging unit, and means for mounting said 'centrifuging` unit in said frame for limited tilting action whereby the centrifuging unit may be gyrated inresponse to gyratorydeection of the centrifuging unit about said'vertical axis, in combinationfwith mechanical-means to urge-` saidcentrifuging unit toward its normal geometric center of rotation comprising, a plurality of tirst friction members mounted on and movable with said drive shaft means, said rst friction members extending radiallyoutwardly` from said` drive shaft means below the-centrifuging unit, acorresponding number of secondvfriction members forming a part of said support frame and being maiutainedin stationary relationship therewith, said rst and second friction members having portions arranged in frictionally engaged overlapping relationship; andspring means-cooperating with said first friction members and operable to progressively increase the -value of'frictional resistance to relative movement of said frictionally engaged portions ofsaid tirst and second friction members responsive to movement of said centrifugingunitawayl from its normal geometric axis, and the mass and weight of` saidttransmission housing `and said gearing mechanism disposed therein cooperating and coupled with the weight of said ring weight defining means andincllrding the resistiveforces of said frictionally engaged por-tions. of said iirst and second friction members andthe forces ofsaid spring means all being effective to stabilize said ,centrifuging unit in opposition to said unbalancingcentrifugal forces.

References Cited inthe tile of'this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS- 1,600,249" Sando Sept. 21, 1926 Y 1,946,725 Andrews` et al Feb. 13, 1934 2,035,481 Hume Mar. 31, 1936 2,161,604 Watts June `6, 1939 2,344,982 Dyer Mar. 28, 1944 2,408,509 Clark Oct. 1, 1946 A2,513,844- CastnerA et al. July 4, 1950 2,534,194 Emmet et al. Dec. 12, 1950 2,574,617 Bryant Nov. 13, 1951 2,578,278 Archbold Dec. 11, 1951 2,645,108 Smith July 14, 1953 

